I would definitely take the 851S over the 811S any day, especially since the two usually cost about the same.

I would definitely take the 812S over the 851S any day, especially since the 812S cost only a few bucks more than the 851S, and that difference is a very small price to pay for what I think is a better drive.

or from any other store. This Verbatim media (Verbatim 50-Pack 4x DVD+R Disc Spindle Model: 94676) is the finest MCC 002 (Mitsubishi Chemical) around. I have burned numerous on my ND2500A@ND2510A and 812S@832S recently with no more than 8 PI/2P0 errors. They are simply perfect.

I have read code65536 suggestions that basically the 1st gen. DL drives will be a waist of time so I was thinking of purchasing a regular DVD writer without DL supported capability soon until they sort out the media pricing & firmwares for them.

It seems the 812S is the best option right now if dual layer is not neccessary but how far away is the SOHW - 1213S from release and would it be worth it to wait.

Also theres a deal for a SONY DRU-530A 8x DVDÂ±RW ReWriter - OEM going for Â£54.05 as apposed to a LiteOn SOHW-812S 8x DVDÂ±R/Â±RW Drive - Retail for Â£61.69. Which Lite-On can this Sony be converted to with firmware change if at all??

I guess I assumed the Sony DRU-530A would have been a Lite-On as most of their CDRW drives in the past have been...My Bad!

From the Lite-On site the LiteOn 1213S doesn't mention DL burning capabilities and its not yet a released drive though the Lite-On 812S is released and it is DL. The 1213S will be cutting edge without DL?

well, there are some shops here in germany where you can get a 832 for less than 120â‚¬ (bulk). this is about 146,50 $i ordered it for 130â‚¬ (retail) and phoned the shopowner yesterday. he said that he will have the drive at the end of the week...

For those that are keen/curious - the 1213S hardware is indeed DL capable. This implementation of the writer however does not have a firmware that supports DL. Its big brother, the 1613S however, DOES support DL.